What’s On

CLUB WITH NO NAME proudly presents

RISKEE AND THE RIDICULE
Riskee And The Ridicule were formed from contrasting musical backgrounds combining grime, hip hop, punk and metal influences to make a new, exciting and unique sound. The band’s catchy hooks and tight harmonies combined with clever, witty, observational lyrics provide a sound that is fresh and that will appeal to a wide variety of music lovers. This, integrated with raw, emotional and energetic live performances, means the band are destined for big things. Check them out for yourselves in a small venue, while you’ve still got the chance.

support from CLUB BRAT and 1 More (TBC)

13th Chime formed in 1980 in the small London over-spill town of Haverhill in Suffolk. Born out of the British Punk scene: Vocalist Mick Hand, guitarist Gary O’Connor and drummer Ricki Cook were previously in The Antix while bass player Terry Taylor, played with the hard hitting three piece The Wynd-ups. The band released three independent singles: Coffin Maker, Cursed and Fire, and disbanded circa 1983.

After discovering the three independently produced 7” singles by the 13th Chime, Caleb Bertron of Sacred Bones Records, made it his mission to track the band down and released whatever material they had, on his Brooklyn based record label.

This sparked a renewed interest in the band, which inspired vocalist Mick Hand to form a new lineup that went on to tour Europe, the US …and remarkably an evening in St Petersburg, Russia.

Keeping up traditions of years gone by The Ouse Valley Singles Club return to the Portland Arms Cambridge on Friday 18th April.

If you are not familiar with The Ouse Valley Singles Club or have yet to catch their live show then you are in for a treat. They are one of, if not the, most original outfits currently playing the live circuit.

Fully self-promoted with the aid of their online videos and huge social media presence, the Ouse Valley Singles Club are one of the hardest working bands around, having gigged almost every weekend over the last 10 years honing their craft and building a massive following of loyal Fans as they go.

Influenced by the long forgotten sounds & traditions of 1950’s Skiffle (Google it) they combine this sound with the energy of Punk and the swing of Rock and Roll, whilst occasionally dropping some Reggae flavour into the mix. Then layering this with hilarious Folk-like story-telling, often crossing the parameters of what is deemed to be politically correct but keeping it very tongue in cheek. In doing this, they have created a truly original & highly entertaining sound that has been dubbed “New Wave Skiffle” and they have been described as ‘George Formby meets The Clash’ where Vaudeville music Hall meets Working Men’s club.

The scourge of the Metropolitan Liberal Elite’ The OVSC put on a show that gives a hysterical observational account of everyday tales of woe with a razor-sharp observational narrative whilst rocking the crowds with their infectious ear-worms.

Having packed out the main arena’s to capacity, they have headlined Peterborough Beer Festival and opened to several thousand revellers on the main stage at Bedford’s River Festival (second largest free festival in the UK) as well as being a regular feature at events such as Cambridge’s Strawberry Fair, The OVSC are no strangers to the Festival Circuit. Festivals they have performed at are; Boomtown, Bestival, Rhythmtree, Nozstock, Mosley Folk and Lunar Festival, Truckfest, Rhythms of The World festival, Lodestar, Henry’s Little Big Gig, Harlequin Festival, Maui Waui, Green Meadows and Glastonbudget among many others.

Highlights of their musical journey came when they supported luminaries Chas and Dave on their 2014 tour, warmed up for Sir Bob Geldolf and The Boomtown Rats in the main arena at the Great British Alternative Music Weekender at Butlin’s Skegness as well as providing warm up for the likes of Pete Docherty, The Wonderstuff and the poetical musical comedy genius KATG. Clearly illustrating their flexibility and appeal to audiences of all ages and musical backgrounds going down a storm and building their following at every gig they play.

CHINA SHOP BULL – The punk hip-hop apocalypse that is China Shop Bull has gained the hearts and respect of people around the world on the back of years of consistent touring on the festival, punk and party scenes, and through the success of multiple album releases.

Fusing the worlds of electronic and live music, spanning countless styles and genres – drum & bass, hip-hop, ska and dub – all mixed up and spat out with an intense energy, punk ethos and attitude, China Shop Bull are bringing their hard hitting party vibe back to Cambridge!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqtz2UBzW_I

FIDGET AND THE TWITCHERS – Brass-fuelled Bristol based skapunkery! A hot sauce mix of punchy beats, a pinch of irony, and a whole squeeze of social absurdities!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrAa_g3bKS4

LAST GANG DJs – Punk and beyond…
http://www.facebook.com/LastGangInTownUK

The Deadlians – The Deadlians are a Dublin based band with a cult following
playing folk songs, punk rock, psychedelic segues. With thumping drums, a
humming synth, evocative guitars and inventive vocal ornamentation, The
Deadlians come together in catchy arrangements. They are looking to create their
own identity in the alternative folk music scene. Their music is phenomenal. With
melodic and rhythmic tunes, their sound evokes a faintly darker edge to a new
generation of Irish alternative trad/folk groups performing today. Dublin man Sean
Fitzgerald, singer, balladeer, songwriter, poet, storyteller and musician fronts The
Deadlians started in 2017 as a four piece are now an Irish trad rock five-piece. One
of Ireland’s best kept secrets.

https://youtu.be/vbXAZ6t0oG0?feature=shared

Bandcamp – https://thedeadlians.bandcamp.com/album/rid-the-land-ofgreedy-
toads

Shonen Knife’s front girl Naoko was inspired to form the band by Beatles, Ramones, Buzzcocks etc. in Osaka on December 30, 1981. The origin of the band name is an old brand name of a pencil sharpener knife.

Their first album “Burning Farm”, released on Zero Records in Japan in 1983, was reissued on legendary American label K Records in 1985.

Their one and only unique sound got popular in North America, UK and Europe; and their first major album “Let’s Knife” was released in Japan, the US and UK in 1992.

Shonen Knife keeps on releasing their rockin albums and touring constantly worldwide!

Following on from their award-winning GEBURAH show, occultist comedian Andrew O’Neill returns with their brand new HISTORY OF PUNK.

In 2017, Andrew toured their HISTORY OF HEAVY METAL show to critical acclaim alongside the book of the same name. In 2025, they return with another genre they’re equally passionate about.

“One of the funniest comedians on the circuit at the moment… hitting new heights of comedic brilliance” – Timeout

“clever comedy for those who like their laughs original, off-kilter and cliché-free” – Three Weeks

“…comedian, metalhead, amateur occultist and musician… Sharp, artistic and unique, [their] innate confidence and fondness of absurdity leaves [their] audiences feeling full of glee” – Funhouse Comedy

The Alley Club Presents… INTENSIFIED + DJs

INTENSIFIED. 1990. 35 years of continuous service to ska. Joyous vibes and integrity, original material influenced by the sounds of 60s Jamaica. The band has recently released their 7th album, Hang Fire, to wide acclaim.
https://www.facebook.com/IntensifiedUK/videos/1059113895520359

Album launch

The Circles
Emerging from the vibrant music scene of the West Midlands in the late 1970s, The Circles became a cornerstone of the mod revival movement. Blending the sharp style of 1960s mod icons with the raw energy of punk, their music captured the defiance and optimism of a generation. With influential tracks like “Opening Up” and “Angry Voices,” The Circles combined poignant storytelling with driving rhythms, establishing themselves as a voice for those seeking authenticity and connection during uncertain times.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwLa3SCz61Y

Jason and the Skagonauts +Tonic Ska

Cian Downing’s back! After his hugely successful support slot to Sharp Class @ The Portland in November 2024 he’ll now be headlining. (+ support) “Don’t come calling me again!” is Cian Downing’s message to his doubters in his brand new single ‘Untouchable’, a toe-tapping indie-ska belter that has become a sing-along classic at gigs in a matter of weeks.
Cian Downing, a singer-songwriter hailing from Stevenage, Hertfordshire, is emerging onto the British indie scene with his infectious energy and refreshing melodic songwriting in the style of Billy Bragg, Paul Weller and The Specials. These influences, combined with the insightful social commentary and personal reflections in his lyrics, give Cian’s music a unique sound which is attracting supporters from across the UK.

Coming hot on the heels of the 30th anniversary of The Prodigy’s seminal album Music For The Jilted Generation, the band’s genre bending album that gave two fingers to the government of the time, we are thrilled to bring the finest Prodigy tribute in the land to Cambridge for the first time.

The queens of banjopunk, three Swedish sisters by the name of Baskery, who’ve played music since they were old enough to hold an instrument. Baskery play a combination of classic ‘roots music and Americana’ with a twist of rule breaking punk turn this much loved style of music on it’s head. Their sound oozes style and playfulness and has helped them accrue a number of plaudits and accolades.

The first album, “Fall Among Thieves” (2008) was recorded in Stockholm, co-produced by Lasse Mårtén (Pink; Peter, Bjorn and John; Kelly Clarkson; Lykke Li; Primal Scream ). It quickly established them as an act that people took seriously. In the years that followed they’ve released several albums and EPs working with the likes of Blackpete (Depeche Mode; Joe Jackson; Peter Fox), Matt Wignall (Cold War Kids; J. Roddy Walston; Wargirl) and were also signed by Dan McCarroll (President and A&R) to Warner Music. “Coyote & Sirens” was released in October 2018, produced and engineered by Andrew Dawson (Kanye West; Rolling Stones; f.u.n; The Revivalists).

On the live scene Baskery are experienced in putting on a show have played over 400 of their own in 2015 the sisters were invited to join legendary artist Robbie Williams as opener and special guests on his arena-tour throughout Europe. Later the same year they also toured the US with Gary Clark Jr and Brandi Carlile and the festival requests roll in; Colours of Ostrava, Bonnaroo, Utopiafest, Newport Folk Festival, Arroyo Seco and Bottlerock.

13th Chime formed in 1980 in the small London over-spill town of Haverhill in Suffolk. Born out of the British Punk scene: Vocalist Mick Hand, guitarist Gary O’Connor and drummer Ricki Cook were previously in The Antix while bass player Terry Taylor, played with the hard hitting three piece The Wynd-ups. The band released three independent singles: Coffin Maker, Cursed and Fire, and disbanded circa 1983.

After discovering the three independently produced 7” singles by the 13th Chime, Caleb Bertron of Sacred Bones Records, made it his mission to track the band down and released whatever material they had, on his Brooklyn based record label.

This sparked a renewed interest in the band, which inspired vocalist Mick Hand to form a new lineup that went on to tour Europe, the US …and remarkably an evening in St Petersburg, Russia.